Background:

Although cardiovascular risk factors are associated with an impaired cognitive function, the impact of diabetes on cognitive function in Chilean adults is unknown.

Aim:

To investigate the association of diabetes or family history of the disease with cognitive impairment in older adults.

Materials and Methods:

Data from the 2009-2010 Chilean National Health Survey including 1,384 participants aged ≥ 60 years were included in this study. A score below 13 points for the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was considered an indication of cognitive impairment. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between MMSE, diabetes and family history of the disease.

Results:

Cognitive impairment increased with age (Odds ratio (OR): 1.83 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.53; 2.19], p < 0.01, per 5 years increment in age). This trend was greater in individuals with diabetes (OR: 2.37 [95% CI: 1.68; 3.35], p < 0.01) compared to those without the disease. A similar trend was identified among individuals with a family history of diabetes compared to those without.

Conclusions:

Older adults with diabetes are more susceptible to develop cognitive impairment.